It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and some people may be starting to wonder about the best time to put the tree and decorations up.

Festive food and gifts are filling the shops, the Christmas lights are being switched on and markets are filling the streets, but there are differing opinions when it comes to the best time to put the tree up.

What did people do in the past?

According to the old Roman Catholic tradition, the Christmas tree should not be put up until the afternoon of Christmas Eve.

Today that seems too late for most people, and you'll want to make the most of your decorations while you can.